Dizziness

What is dizziness?

Dizziness is a general feeling of unsteadiness or being off-balance. You may feel faint, woozy, or like you’re spinning even when you’re not moving. Dizziness is not a disease, but rather a common symptom of many illnesses and disorders.

What causes dizziness?

Occasional dizzy spells are relatively common, and most people have experienced the sensation of feeling off-balance. However, prolonged or repeated dizziness could be a result of any number of serious concerns, such as:

• Neurological conditions
  
• An adverse reaction to medication
  
• Anxiety disorders
  
• Anemia (low blood iron levels)
  
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
  
• Dehydration
  
• Migraines
  
• Inner ear problems, including infection
  

Cardiovascular issues such as low blood pressure, ineffective blood circulation, cardiomyopathy, and heart disease can all contribute to dizziness or vertigo as well.

How is dizziness diagnosed?

At Express Family Clinic, Dr. Modi or Dr. Parihar will conduct a thorough examination and discuss your symptoms and medical history. The physical exam may include:

• Balance testing
  
• Eye movement testing
  
• Head movement testing
  
• Rotary chair testing
  
• Autonomic nervous system (ANS) testing
  

Your doctor may also order a blood test to check for infections and evaluate your blood vessel health.

What is an autonomic nervous system test?

Your nervous system has three primary subsystems: sensory, motor, and autonomic. The autonomic nervous system regulates internal functions like blood pressure, blood flow, and sweating. The ANS test measures these functions to find out if they are working correctly and responding to stimuli.

If your ANS is not performing well, one of the most common symptoms is dizziness, making the ANS test an ideal preliminary method of identifying the root problem. For this test, Dr. Modi or Dr. Parihar places a heart monitor on your skin for a few hours to measure your body functions.

How is dizziness treated?

Once Dr. Modi or Dr. Parihar has identified the cause of your dizziness, they will determine the best course of treatment for your unique case. This treatment might include medication, such as:

• Water pills
  
• Antihistamines or Anticholinergics
  
• Anti-nausea medication
• Anti-anxiety medication
• Injections
  

In some cases, medications are not necessary, and your doctor can relieve your dizziness with simple physical therapy, including head position maneuvers and balance exercises.

If you’ve been experiencing persistent dizziness, call Express Family Clinic or book an appointment online today.